getting milk flow going...help!

[celticepona]

This is related to the sensitive tummy post. Since Em seems to be having problems with formula, I still want to keep the option of bottle feeding her breast milk open. Problem is, I have never breastfed her successfuly. I tried for 20 minutes in the hospital, and it was extremely painful. I have very large breasts, DDD when I was pregnant, and she could not fit the areola in her mouth, so it was extremely painful. So I decided to formula feed. 7 weeks postpartum, I still have colostrum. I am thinking of trying to get my milk going, and then giving it to her when I go off my meds, (hopefully) I know that moms of preemies must have pumped from day one trying to express colostrum. I have tried, and it is extremely painful...how do I do it? Any tips? (thought I'd try here first before talking to lactation consultant.)

DD Emily born 4-01-04 at 37 weeks due to severe PE/Eclampsia. Currently postpartum preeclampsic/hyperreflexic. On medication.

[paljane8]

You know, I would call the lactation specialist at the hospital if they have one and ask them. Let me know if they don't and I will put you in touch with some websites for finding one in your area. Because you are 7wks post partum and haven't been pumping I just don't know whether or not you can get your milk started again.

Nancy Eastwood
Moderator/WA State Co-Coordinator

Calvin-8yrs
Saren-7yrs
Scott-4yrs (PE)
Janie-5/03 (PIH, oligo and low blood flow)
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/4/4lbs/

[arj]

Ugh! First of all, I am sorry that you are having to go through all of this. It must be even harder because you are not at 100% yourself.

The fact that you said breastfeeding was extremely painful leads me to believe that you probably had an incorrect latch, where Emily was probably latched on to your nipple only. That is EXTREMELY painful! It takes a lot of practice for both you and baby to get a good latch, so don't be discouraged and think that going through excrutiating pain was the norm for nursing. And don't think that because you have large breasts that you will not be able to nurse. The baby doesn't have to get the entire areola in her mouth, just as much as she can. As long as she is opening wide and her lips are flanged around the areola and not sucking on the nipple only, that should do it. A lactation consultant can definitely help show you what a good latch is. And yes, even with a perfect latch, it can be a little uncomfortable for a week or so, but it should not be excrutiating.

What kind of pump do you have? Sometimes really lousy pumps can be very painful. I would highly recommend a rental hospital grade pump (ex. Medela Lactina Select) with dual attachments to get back to pumping. You're going to need something really high quality like that to re-establish your supply. And start at the lowest possible suction speed. Do that for a minute or so, and then gradually increase the speed at your comfort level. With a hospital grade double pump, you shouldn't need to pump for more than 15 minutes.

As far as pain goes, I think that it just takes time for your nipples to toughen up. I used Lansinoh, which seemed to help. You can also soak a couple of tea bags in warm water then apply to your nipples. Also, colostrum has incredible healing properties so you can express that and rub it into your nipples as well.

I hope that everything works out for you. Breastfeeding was not easy for me, so I understand where you are coming from. It took me about a month before I felt comfortable with everything. It doesn't always hurt, so take heart in that



Allison (28)
DS-Evan, 7/19/2003. PE at 40 weeks

[ferzine]

Allison gave you some great advice. I have to say I am very surprised that they did not give you more help in the hospital! Seeing a lactacion consultant would be a great first step. The size of your breast shouldn't be an issue (I was a EE with my DS) although it usually changes the normal advice of fitting the majority of your areola in her mouth. What you need to do is get 1-2 inches of it in & make sure her lips are flanged out. It is very normal for your nipples to be sensitive and/or hurt for just the first few weeks as long as you have a proper latch. My best advice other than this is to go visit misc.kids.breastfeeing on your news server or you can get to the group through http://www.google.ca/grphp?hl=en&tab=wg&q= they are an amazing bunch of women ,and some men, that can answer just about any breastfeeding question.
I have to say that I think it is great that you are looking at this route for your little one!

Good Luck!

Jenn mom to DS 12 and DD 7
Due June 25/04
First time with PE on home bed rest

[ferzine]

Sorry I should have added that putting her to the breast is the best way to get her the milk she needs but if that is not an option for you, many women have pumped from day one (or later) and had very good results. It is usually much more work compared to straight from the tap :) A good pump if extremely important as well as time. Visiting MKB will help answer any pumping questions you have and I have heard that pumpingmoms.com is a good site as well!

Jenn mom to DS 12 and DD 7
Due June 25/04
First time with PE on home bed rest

[celticepona]

thanks for writing back! I am trying the Carnation Good Start now and am seeing how that turns out. I would have to pump because I am going back to work on June 13, and back to school in August. I called a lactation specialist and she mentioned the dual pump as well. It boils down to if the formula route doesnt work, I will be pumping away!!!! Thanks so much for the advice, and I will keep you updated!

DD Emily born 4-01-04 at 37 weeks due to severe PE/Eclampsia. Currently postpartum preeclampsic/hyperreflexic. On medication.

[paljane8]

Check out the link on nursing. http://www.preeclampsia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=886 There have been quite a number of pumpers. Catherine is out of town right now but she has some great ideas on power pumping.

The hospital pump was the best! I have a knock off brand that isn't as good but, it works. I really like the hands free bustier-you gotta get one!

Nancy Eastwood
Moderator/WA State Co-Coordinator

Calvin-8yrs
Saren-7yrs
Scott-4yrs (PE)
Janie-5/03 (PIH, oligo and low blood flow)
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/4/4lbs/

[arj]

Good call Nancy! The bustier is a must-have. I've also heard that Motherwear sells hands-free pumping bras as well.

Allison (28)
DS-Evan, 7/19/2003. PE at 40 weeks